President Obama, Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande attended along with leaders and senior ministers from around 60 other countries.

The summit was held as NATO draws down from its longest ever mission in Afghanistan and against a backdrop of instability in Ukraine. It was an opportunity to ensure that NATO continues to be at the forefront of building stability in an unpredictable world.

How Cardiff Capitalised

Welcome signs were lit up in the Arrivals Halls at Cardiff Airport.

The city was dressed with standard lamp-post banners with the addition of extra large banners erected outside Dempsey’s pub and The Yard quarter.

Cardiff Brochure packs and maps were made available in every 3,4,5* hotel guest bedrooms in the city

Cardiff Welcome a-cards were left in hotels, attractions, retailers, eateries positioned at ‘point of sales areas’.

Targeted Engagement

7 hotels in Cardiff were identified as Media accredited hotel and therefore a permanent presence was maintained in each of these 7 hotels over the two days

Senior officers were present between 06.30 – 10.00am and 4.00pm – 7.00pm daily (periods during which delegates would be available) to meet, engage and share information about Cardiff

Key stakeholders engaged with included American Broadcasters CNN, ABC as well UK Sky news

On Monday 8th September 2014, a strong Cardiff marketing presence featured at Paddington station with sheet posters also on display at Reading, Swindon and Bristol for the next 4 weeks. These promoted Cardiff as a destination for business, investment, and draw attention to Cardiff as the “host city” for the NATO Summit as well as its role in hosting other major events.